Friday, June 20, 2008

Friday Q&A

I talked with Michael Tofias, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, about a couple things you can look for in the upcoming primary. Here's what he had to say:

1) What do you see as the hot button issues in the upcoming general election?

Iraq. oil/energy independence/global warming. healthcare.

2) What is a strength/weakness of Obama and McCain? (What will they attack each other the most on?)

The media has treated both of these candidates very well and given both very positive images. I think we will see the candidates go after these images. look for mccain to start by going after obama's decision to forego the public funding/contribution limits.

3) Who are potential VP candidates for Obama and McCain?

No idea. or rather too many to list. i think this is more of a fun game for political enthusiasts and the media than substantively important. there are nearly as many different theories about how tickets should be constructed as there have been presidential campaigns.

4) Why do you think Obama has so much trouble attracting votes from blue collar workers with no college education?

In reality, he doesn't have any trouble. but it makes for a good story, so it keeps getting repeated.

5) Are the Republicans really united under McCain?

No. the republicans are actually quite divided even though the media attention has focused on the obama/clinton schism.

First and foremost, Sarah Palin shares your values. She killed the bridge to nowhere. Need we say more?

As for the politics, Sarah Palin transcends geography. Her constituency, like yours, goes beyond state lines.

She will get your ticket access to voters all over the country based on who she is and what she stands for. Because she's young, a woman, a mother with young kids, she will grab media attention more than any other potential candidate.

Gov. Palin also has a son in the active duty military. You have very wisely taken your son's service in Iraq off the table as a campaign talking point. That is and should be respected. But others can talk about it and reflect on what it means.

A McCain-Palin administration would be the first in memory which has family members in uniform during wartime from both the President and Vice President. That would be a powerful statement as to the importance of national service, especially in uniform.

Most importantly, any Vice President should be ready to step up and serve in the event she is needed. Frankly, who is really ever ready? Gov. Palin is as ready as anybody, she is a quick learner, and in her public career has exhibited the courage and decisiveness needed for a great leader.

Godspeed to you in your campaign and in making this important decision."